I'd say this is an above-average Starbucks location. Yes, it does get slammed at times, but for the most part it doesn't have the crazy lines that the other locations do. The workers here are nice, though it seems that the store has some strange staffing problems. They are either severely understaffed or way overstaffed. I feel bad for the workers. Despite this, though, they seem to do their jobs well and are very nice! (Well, if you're nice to them, they're nice back!) For example, I wanted a "skinny" Salted Caramel (yes, I am one of *those* kinds of people, so please don't judge!) even though it's not on the menu. I told the barista that I wanted a Salted Caramel but with as little calories as possible. Because I don't have an extensive knowledge of the menu and the ingredients on hand, I didn't tell them what I wanted... But the barista was really helpful and he wrote everything out on the cup that would make it a "skinny" drink. One note: watch out for parking. There's an underground lot you can park in, but a lot of people fall prey to parking in the circle outside of the FedEx. It may seem convenient, but the tow man is always watching! Sometimes, the baristas are pretty cool and they'll make an announcement to the store that cars are being towed. It's funny to watch people run out and scramble to try to move their car before it gets towed. Overall, it's a good location. It's clean, and there aren't huge lines. And it's way better than the always-crowded King Street location. At least here, your drink won't get taken on accident by some poor, unknowing tourist.
(3)
Craige M.
A fairly good option for the itinerant freelancer. There are a number of tables inside as well as ample outdoor seating off the street. It may appear there is no parking nearby but there's an underground-ish lot whose entrance is on Wythe Street. It's then a quick walk to this Starbucks. Don't risk getting towed or a ticket by parking in the circle in front. It's simply lazy when there's a lot right there! There's no bike parking in front unfortunately, but there is on St. Asaph, down the stairs by Trader Joe's. Baristas are friendly and helpful. Store is clean.
(4)
Jason G.
Average Starbucks. The facility is clean and usually not crowded. The staff is mostly pleasant; I only occasionally get a grumpy person. My only beef with this location is it's hours. There are several stores/restaurants nearby that stay open into the evening, but this Starbucks closes by 6pm. So, if you feel like a quick pop in for coffee after having dinner or shopping nearby, you'll be out of luck.
(3)
Mattie C.
One of the few Starbucks I have ever been in that does not have enormous chaotic lines, that is a major plus. However, at Starbucks when I ask for a large coffee with "room at the top" they never leave enough room at the top, it is basically just a full coffee. This is why I tend to go other places if I need a coffee even though this is closer. Also, slow service. But overall, this is one of the most likable Starbucks I have ever been to. Solid 3 stars.
(3)
Rich G.
This Starbucks is a good place to get in and get out- it's not one of the Starbucks locations where you can go and hang out for a while in a nice chair and finish your coffee while reading. There's just not enough room for that here. Parking will be your biggest limiter at this one. There is a parking circle that allows you to jump out, get a coffee and get right back in- but otherwise you need to park behind the building or in the garage. Now if you do park in the garage there is a "validator" for your parking ticket just outside the Trader Joe's entrance. You can park on the street across from Trader Joe's if you can find a spot- and that's what I normally do. It's only about 200-meters up the nice stirs they have to get to Starbucks.
(4)
Arthur G.
I love this location because of its location. It's great for people watching and the large corner windows make it bright and cheery even on a rainy day. The staff is friendly and efficient although I've received a couple drinks that were just a bit off. Overall, I love the location for doing work because it's relatively quiet, ample electrical outlets and music at a reasonable level
(4)
Im B.
I've gone to this Starbucks many Sunday mornings before dropping my girlfriend off to work. Every time we come here they are painfully slow. There is always someone working at this location who is new. I understand new employees are still learning, but this particular Starbucks seems to have a revolving door of people. Not to mention the mean spirit and backhand comments they give to each other. None of the employees seem to enjoy working there. They try to be polite, but their bickering with each other, coupled with their consistency to screw-up orders; is just unacceptable. The last time we were there, one of the employees announced a tow truck was waiting across the street to tow the cars who were double-parked while waiting for their super slow coffee. It didn't make us feel welcomed. After that incident I decided it was the last straw. I told my girlfriend we were never going to this Starbucks again. I'll go to any other Starbucks, but this one. Never again.
(2)
Jenifer S.
It's not often I go into a Starbucks at 11 am on a weekday morning to find nobody in line and my order taken right away. I just wish he'd put the one inch of hot water in first that I asked for and the coffee was a little "burnt" but all in I got a cup of coffee for less than $2 and got to my meeting nearby with a nice cup of java.
(3)
Kate B.
Friendly staff but very slow - they need more employees at morning rush hour. Clean facility
(3)
Jennifer K.
There's no apostrophe in Starbucks.
(1)
Jeff C.
Not the best and not the worst. I think this is supposed to be the new Self-Serve Starbucks. There were four employees behind the counter at 12 noon. No, not a rush. Just a lot of loud talking and play amongst themselves. Not quite the corporate image that we all imagined? I think not. I do not need to hear you talk loudly to each other across the customer area or overhear your complaints about previous customers! I received my drink quickly. The new vanilla macchiato was tasty. If you like vanilla, sugar, and carmel; you will love this treat. But it was not very hot. When I sat down at the front table, it was covered with crumbs. Apparently the loud workers can talk, but not wipe down tables in a timely fashion. Disappointed, disappointed, disappointed! Starbucks, you can do better than this. Is this an anomaly, or could I have only been visiting your best locations throughout the country? If you HAVE to HAVE Starbucks when in this area, go at your own risk. There are better Starbucks. This shattered my image of Starbucks. I had great expectations until this experience : (
(2)
Meg H.
The barista was rude and when I asked if I could show my id and get my birthday drink- because my phone was dead. She was nasty and said no there's nothing I can do. Happy birthday - not. Terrible
(1)
Dcgirl T.
This is a small and uncomfortable location. Employees are very nice but I only stop here when my car is being serviced near by.
(3)
Vicki G.
Painfully slow - seemed like more training staff than anything else.
(2)
Peter K.
There aren't a lot of tourists at this Starbucks (compared to the Starbucks locations on King St), which is a good thing if you don't want to be bothered by crowds of people who don't know the area. Most of the customers seem to be locals. Mostly middle-aged to older people. Some moms with their babies. Not a great place for people watching. There is only one real table in the middle of the Starbucks so there's no access to a power outlet. There is a counter along the windows (with access to power outlets) and one along the espresso machine, so if you're by yourself, it's ok but not a great place to go if you want to chat with someone. The employees are pretty slow. Not as fast and efficient as what I'm used to.
(2)
Jen F.
When I need morning coffee, I just pull over and grab something from here. I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes for the whole order-to-final product process to complete although a huge line has formed when I left sometimes. I guess it just depends how you hit it. Nice baristas, they haven't messed up one of my drinks yet which is nice. The one thing I have to say is this location is tiny and doesn't have much seating. It's a very "intimate" Starbucks.
(3)
Mikkela T.
At least they had milk, and pumpkin coffee or some such thing... I can't keep up anymore. We stumbled in here in desperate need of some hot and wet. I wanted hot chocolate. The menu just seemed too much for me. I finally spotted a "kid's cocoa" on the children's menu. I ordered that. The saleswoman stared at me. I repeated myself. Then she perked up and said, "children's hot chocolate." And we've made contact! $1.50. It wasn't hot but then I guess we don't want to burn the kiddies. Maybe they should take the liquid out too. The kids might get wet. Actually, I liked that there was a swirl of whipped flotsam on my cocoa. Okay, so I've been to Italy (just showing off), and I get the whole standing up for a quickie espresso or doppio... but this is Alexandria... why couldn't Starbucks buy more property and put in some comfort in this Starbucks? There are only tall bar style chairs crammed along the window (so, although you could get in here with a wheelchair... yee gawds, you wouldn't be able to stay here!). But, as there must be seven or eight Starbucks on this street, I guess I can go elsewhere for a soft chair.
(2)
Lee W.
Half the time they get your order wrong, the other half of the time it's spot on. The staff is generally friendly, and apologetic about mistakes. In all honesty, I think language barriers get in the way of ordering here sometimes. If you're going to grab a cup of joe here, avoid going here first thing in the morning as this place is crazy busy around 8 a.m. Other than that, it's a convenient place to stop.
(2)
Teri B.
Two years in a row...and I still LOVE this location... I walked PAST the downtown/King Street store and relished the fact that this location was within two blocks of my hotel...and wasn't packed with a bunch of tourists who take too darn long to place their order! Of course, next year, I might be tempted to stay downtown at the hotel that houses a Starbucks in its lobby...but...my Magic 8 ball says "chances are slim"... I love my local hotel (Sheraton), my local bus (the DASH), my easy access to D.C. (the Metro) but best of all...I LOVE this Starbuck's! Don't change a thing...I'll be back next Spring...and thanks again for the lovely Cherry Blossoms this year!
(5)
Steve M.
This is one of the slower Starbucks in the area, especially on the weekend. Considering its location, a lot of people can (and many people -- like myself -- do) walk to this location. Since it's within Old Town, it's shocking there is *no where* to tie up your dog outside while you go in for a coffee. There are street signs and a garbage can, but those are too close to busy Washington Street to feel safe. There are some tables and chairs to sit at outside, which is nice as well. The location is convenient just off the Parkway (Washington St.). I normally just get a coffee, and that's usually pretty good. They have the usual Starbucks selection of pastries and "treats."
(2)
Joseph E.
I have been frequenting this location for the last nine months and overall I have found the people working here are all kind, helpful, and provide a good cup of coffee. This Starbucks, unlike the others in the area, has a more typical clientele of business people and locals without the tourists the frequent the other locations in the area. The only real downside is that the wi-fi does not have a reliable connection if you choose to sit outside. It works flawlessly as long as you stay inside though.
(3)
Paul W.
This is the worst Starbucks. They are slow and constantly mess up your order. If you need to go to Starbucks in this area, I would go to this one instead: The Monarch, 540 N Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314.
(1)
Toni G.
Newer Starbucks, staff is friendly, not a lot of parking but hey, if you want a drink, you make the effort.
(3)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
Address :683 N Washington St
Alexandria, VA, 22314
Morgan M.
I'd say this is an above-average Starbucks location. Yes, it does get slammed at times, but for the most part it doesn't have the crazy lines that the other locations do. The workers here are nice, though it seems that the store has some strange staffing problems. They are either severely understaffed or way overstaffed. I feel bad for the workers. Despite this, though, they seem to do their jobs well and are very nice! (Well, if you're nice to them, they're nice back!) For example, I wanted a "skinny" Salted Caramel (yes, I am one of *those* kinds of people, so please don't judge!) even though it's not on the menu. I told the barista that I wanted a Salted Caramel but with as little calories as possible. Because I don't have an extensive knowledge of the menu and the ingredients on hand, I didn't tell them what I wanted... But the barista was really helpful and he wrote everything out on the cup that would make it a "skinny" drink. One note: watch out for parking. There's an underground lot you can park in, but a lot of people fall prey to parking in the circle outside of the FedEx. It may seem convenient, but the tow man is always watching! Sometimes, the baristas are pretty cool and they'll make an announcement to the store that cars are being towed. It's funny to watch people run out and scramble to try to move their car before it gets towed. Overall, it's a good location. It's clean, and there aren't huge lines. And it's way better than the always-crowded King Street location. At least here, your drink won't get taken on accident by some poor, unknowing tourist.
(3)Craige M.
A fairly good option for the itinerant freelancer. There are a number of tables inside as well as ample outdoor seating off the street. It may appear there is no parking nearby but there's an underground-ish lot whose entrance is on Wythe Street. It's then a quick walk to this Starbucks. Don't risk getting towed or a ticket by parking in the circle in front. It's simply lazy when there's a lot right there! There's no bike parking in front unfortunately, but there is on St. Asaph, down the stairs by Trader Joe's. Baristas are friendly and helpful. Store is clean.
(4)Jason G.
Average Starbucks. The facility is clean and usually not crowded. The staff is mostly pleasant; I only occasionally get a grumpy person. My only beef with this location is it's hours. There are several stores/restaurants nearby that stay open into the evening, but this Starbucks closes by 6pm. So, if you feel like a quick pop in for coffee after having dinner or shopping nearby, you'll be out of luck.
(3)Mattie C.
One of the few Starbucks I have ever been in that does not have enormous chaotic lines, that is a major plus. However, at Starbucks when I ask for a large coffee with "room at the top" they never leave enough room at the top, it is basically just a full coffee. This is why I tend to go other places if I need a coffee even though this is closer. Also, slow service. But overall, this is one of the most likable Starbucks I have ever been to. Solid 3 stars.
(3)Rich G.
This Starbucks is a good place to get in and get out- it's not one of the Starbucks locations where you can go and hang out for a while in a nice chair and finish your coffee while reading. There's just not enough room for that here. Parking will be your biggest limiter at this one. There is a parking circle that allows you to jump out, get a coffee and get right back in- but otherwise you need to park behind the building or in the garage. Now if you do park in the garage there is a "validator" for your parking ticket just outside the Trader Joe's entrance. You can park on the street across from Trader Joe's if you can find a spot- and that's what I normally do. It's only about 200-meters up the nice stirs they have to get to Starbucks.
(4)Arthur G.
I love this location because of its location. It's great for people watching and the large corner windows make it bright and cheery even on a rainy day. The staff is friendly and efficient although I've received a couple drinks that were just a bit off. Overall, I love the location for doing work because it's relatively quiet, ample electrical outlets and music at a reasonable level
(4)Im B.
I've gone to this Starbucks many Sunday mornings before dropping my girlfriend off to work. Every time we come here they are painfully slow. There is always someone working at this location who is new. I understand new employees are still learning, but this particular Starbucks seems to have a revolving door of people. Not to mention the mean spirit and backhand comments they give to each other. None of the employees seem to enjoy working there. They try to be polite, but their bickering with each other, coupled with their consistency to screw-up orders; is just unacceptable. The last time we were there, one of the employees announced a tow truck was waiting across the street to tow the cars who were double-parked while waiting for their super slow coffee. It didn't make us feel welcomed. After that incident I decided it was the last straw. I told my girlfriend we were never going to this Starbucks again. I'll go to any other Starbucks, but this one. Never again.
(2)Jenifer S.
It's not often I go into a Starbucks at 11 am on a weekday morning to find nobody in line and my order taken right away. I just wish he'd put the one inch of hot water in first that I asked for and the coffee was a little "burnt" but all in I got a cup of coffee for less than $2 and got to my meeting nearby with a nice cup of java.
(3)Kate B.
Friendly staff but very slow - they need more employees at morning rush hour. Clean facility
(3)Jennifer K.
There's no apostrophe in Starbucks.
(1)Jeff C.
Not the best and not the worst. I think this is supposed to be the new Self-Serve Starbucks. There were four employees behind the counter at 12 noon. No, not a rush. Just a lot of loud talking and play amongst themselves. Not quite the corporate image that we all imagined? I think not. I do not need to hear you talk loudly to each other across the customer area or overhear your complaints about previous customers! I received my drink quickly. The new vanilla macchiato was tasty. If you like vanilla, sugar, and carmel; you will love this treat. But it was not very hot. When I sat down at the front table, it was covered with crumbs. Apparently the loud workers can talk, but not wipe down tables in a timely fashion. Disappointed, disappointed, disappointed! Starbucks, you can do better than this. Is this an anomaly, or could I have only been visiting your best locations throughout the country? If you HAVE to HAVE Starbucks when in this area, go at your own risk. There are better Starbucks. This shattered my image of Starbucks. I had great expectations until this experience : (
(2)Meg H.
The barista was rude and when I asked if I could show my id and get my birthday drink- because my phone was dead. She was nasty and said no there's nothing I can do. Happy birthday - not. Terrible
(1)Dcgirl T.
This is a small and uncomfortable location. Employees are very nice but I only stop here when my car is being serviced near by.
(3)Vicki G.
Painfully slow - seemed like more training staff than anything else.
(2)Peter K.
There aren't a lot of tourists at this Starbucks (compared to the Starbucks locations on King St), which is a good thing if you don't want to be bothered by crowds of people who don't know the area. Most of the customers seem to be locals. Mostly middle-aged to older people. Some moms with their babies. Not a great place for people watching. There is only one real table in the middle of the Starbucks so there's no access to a power outlet. There is a counter along the windows (with access to power outlets) and one along the espresso machine, so if you're by yourself, it's ok but not a great place to go if you want to chat with someone. The employees are pretty slow. Not as fast and efficient as what I'm used to.
(2)Jen F.
When I need morning coffee, I just pull over and grab something from here. I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes for the whole order-to-final product process to complete although a huge line has formed when I left sometimes. I guess it just depends how you hit it. Nice baristas, they haven't messed up one of my drinks yet which is nice. The one thing I have to say is this location is tiny and doesn't have much seating. It's a very "intimate" Starbucks.
(3)Mikkela T.
At least they had milk, and pumpkin coffee or some such thing... I can't keep up anymore. We stumbled in here in desperate need of some hot and wet. I wanted hot chocolate. The menu just seemed too much for me. I finally spotted a "kid's cocoa" on the children's menu. I ordered that. The saleswoman stared at me. I repeated myself. Then she perked up and said, "children's hot chocolate." And we've made contact! $1.50. It wasn't hot but then I guess we don't want to burn the kiddies. Maybe they should take the liquid out too. The kids might get wet. Actually, I liked that there was a swirl of whipped flotsam on my cocoa. Okay, so I've been to Italy (just showing off), and I get the whole standing up for a quickie espresso or doppio... but this is Alexandria... why couldn't Starbucks buy more property and put in some comfort in this Starbucks? There are only tall bar style chairs crammed along the window (so, although you could get in here with a wheelchair... yee gawds, you wouldn't be able to stay here!). But, as there must be seven or eight Starbucks on this street, I guess I can go elsewhere for a soft chair.
(2)Lee W.
Half the time they get your order wrong, the other half of the time it's spot on. The staff is generally friendly, and apologetic about mistakes. In all honesty, I think language barriers get in the way of ordering here sometimes. If you're going to grab a cup of joe here, avoid going here first thing in the morning as this place is crazy busy around 8 a.m. Other than that, it's a convenient place to stop.
(2)Teri B.
Two years in a row...and I still LOVE this location... I walked PAST the downtown/King Street store and relished the fact that this location was within two blocks of my hotel...and wasn't packed with a bunch of tourists who take too darn long to place their order! Of course, next year, I might be tempted to stay downtown at the hotel that houses a Starbucks in its lobby...but...my Magic 8 ball says "chances are slim"... I love my local hotel (Sheraton), my local bus (the DASH), my easy access to D.C. (the Metro) but best of all...I LOVE this Starbuck's! Don't change a thing...I'll be back next Spring...and thanks again for the lovely Cherry Blossoms this year!
(5)Steve M.
This is one of the slower Starbucks in the area, especially on the weekend. Considering its location, a lot of people can (and many people -- like myself -- do) walk to this location. Since it's within Old Town, it's shocking there is *no where* to tie up your dog outside while you go in for a coffee. There are street signs and a garbage can, but those are too close to busy Washington Street to feel safe. There are some tables and chairs to sit at outside, which is nice as well. The location is convenient just off the Parkway (Washington St.). I normally just get a coffee, and that's usually pretty good. They have the usual Starbucks selection of pastries and "treats."
(2)Joseph E.
I have been frequenting this location for the last nine months and overall I have found the people working here are all kind, helpful, and provide a good cup of coffee. This Starbucks, unlike the others in the area, has a more typical clientele of business people and locals without the tourists the frequent the other locations in the area. The only real downside is that the wi-fi does not have a reliable connection if you choose to sit outside. It works flawlessly as long as you stay inside though.
(3)Paul W.
This is the worst Starbucks. They are slow and constantly mess up your order. If you need to go to Starbucks in this area, I would go to this one instead: The Monarch, 540 N Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314.
(1)Toni G.
Newer Starbucks, staff is friendly, not a lot of parking but hey, if you want a drink, you make the effort.
(3)